Online Platform Connects Travelers With Indigenous Tours
A new booking resource highlights Indigenous-led travel experiences across Alaska, Hawaii, and New Mexico.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Native American
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Alexis Bunten Naficy introduced the online travel platform WaqaaTrips at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention. The site aggregates cultural tours led by Indigenous guides in various states to help travelers find meaningful local experiences.
Why it matters
Travelers are increasingly seeking deeper connections to Indigenous history and knowledge during their vacations. This platform helps bridge the gap between tourists and authentic, locally-led cultural experiences.
The platform currently features Indigenous-led tours in Alaska, Hawaii, and New Mexico, including four traditional tipis available for guests in Dulce. Indigenous guides curate custom itineraries based on ancestral knowledge and personal history.
The players
Alexis Bunten Naficy
She is the developer of the WaqaaTrips online travel platform.
Alaska Travel Industry Association
This organization represents tourism interests and has recently created a cultural enrichment board position.
Camille Ferguson
She is a guide who conducts native natural walking tours in Sitka.
Joe Williams
He provides specialized Tlingit culture tours for visitors in Ketchikan.
The details
The WaqaaTrips platform serves as a central hub for operators like Camille Ferguson, who leads natural walking tours in Sitka, and Joe Williams, who offers Tlingit culture tours in Ketchikan. Meanwhile, the Alaska Travel Industry Association has created a new cultural enrichment board position to support this sector.
Timeline
The Alaska Federation of Natives convention took place in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The emergence of dedicated booking platforms reflects a broader shift toward tourism that prioritizes cultural authenticity and direct engagement with local populations. This move toward specialized, community-led itineraries signals a departure from traditional, mass-market travel packages.
Travelers can use this resource to book custom itineraries that provide direct access to Indigenous knowledge and historic sites. Using these platforms allows for more personalized travel planning while directly supporting Indigenous business operators.
The takeaway
When planning your next trip, prioritize bookings that engage directly with the history and traditions of the local Indigenous population. This approach creates a more educational experience for the traveler while ensuring economic benefits remain within the community.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of culture and travel on the Native American section.
More information
Visit the Indigenous tour booking platform to browse available cultural experiences.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Anchorage Daily News.
Live Poll
Would you choose an indigenous-led tour for your next travel experience?
